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Riverside Rewards Raffle: Here’s How It Works

If you’ve been in Riverside lately (or passed by, at least), you may have noticed that a portion of Queen Street East is going through some improvements. While the construction is necessary, it has impacted business for many of our BIA members.

To help support them in getting through it, the Riverside BIA is launching the Riverside Rewards Raffle, a fun and easy campaign to reward YOU for shopping, dining and using services at businesses located within the Queen East construction zone.

Riverside Rewards Raffle will run from Tuesday, February 17th to Wednesday, March 25th, 2026. There will be (5) weekly winners of a $100 gift card each and (1) winner of a $1000 gift card pack of $200 gift cards from five local businesses (winner’s choice!!) for the raffle’s grand prize.

For those of you who participated in our Riverside raffles last year, you may be a bit familiar with how this works. If not, here’s a quick rundown of the Riverside Rewards Raffle (and how you can win up to $1,000 worth of gift cards!!!):

Photo credit: Eastbound Brewing Co.

1. Make a purchase of at least $10 from any of the participating businesses in the Queen East construction zone. That’s basically all the businesses along Queen E between Broadview to East Don Roadway.

This includes businesses like The Broadview Hotel, Eastbound Brewing, Oma Chiropractic, Dark Horse Espresso Bar, Il Ponte, La Femme Strong, The West Cork, just to name a few! Find the full list of participating businesses here.

Photo credit: Happy Burger

2. With your purchase, scan the QR code on one of the Riverside Rewards Raffle countertop signs or postcards that you’ll find in the participating businesses or click the button on our webpage. That’ll direct you to a quick and easy form, asking for a screenshot/photo of your receipt or of a Google Review you’ve given for a participating business you went to. Simply complete the form and that’s it! You can do so daily during the raffle period for maximum chances to win.

Photo credit: Prohibition Social House

3. Winners will be chosen randomly and announced weekly. If you do win, the Riverside BIA will contact you through email with instructions on how to claim your prize.

For more detailed information such as cutoff dates for the draws, check out the Riverside Rewards Raffle main page HERE.

Riverside Rewards Raffle is LIVE Feb 17th! So let’s all show these businesses some love and support. Raffle runs until Wednesday, March 25th. 

While you’re at it, be sure to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check out the Riverside Blog for updates on the Riverside Rewards Raffle. Good luck!

Valentine’s Day Happenings in Toronto’s Riverside

Whether it’s with a significant other, your besties, family or just yourself, February is about celebrating all kinds of love — and Valentine’s Day is just around the corner!

Don’t have any plans for Valentine’s yet? Toronto’s Riverside’s got you. Here are Valentine’s happenings and ideas in the neighbourhood:

Photo credit: Lez Get Physical

Lez Get Physical Presents: Enemies to Lovers

Address: The Opera House, 735 Queen St E

Date & Time: Saturday, February 14 | Doors open at 7pm

Lez Get Physical is kicking off at Toronto’s The Opera House with their first event of the year, Enemies to Lovers. This Valentine’s season, we ask the question: can enemies really turn into lovers? You can get your tickets HERE. Check out The Opera House’s 2026 Events Calendar to see more upcoming shows.

Photo credit: Tabule Middle Eastern Cuisine

Valentine’s Cocktails at Tabule

Address: Tabule Middle Eastern Cuisine, 810 Queen St E

For the season of love, Tabule is introducing two specialty cocktails: Beet’n Heart (gin, elderflower & beet syrup, fresh lemon juice and rhubarb bitters) and Ma’ Cherie (rum, fresh cherry juice, mint syrup and fresh lime juice). Reserve a table at Tabule this Valentine’s Day and try these delicious concoctions.

Photo credit: Amber Kitchen and Coffee

Amber Valentine’s Dinner

Address: Amber Kitchen and Coffee, 4 Boulton Ave

Date & Time: Saturday, February 14 | Starts at 7pm

At Amber Kitchen, Valentine’s is all about celebrating love in all its forms with some great food and amazing drinks. Celebrate Valentine’s at Amber this Saturday at 7pm with a special four-course dinner. Reserve your spot by sending an email to info@amberkitchen.ca. You can also check out the Valentine’s menu HERE.

Photo credit: Arts Market 

Arts Market Winter Sale

Address: Arts Market, 790 Queen St E

Date & Time: The whole month of February

The sale is on at Arts Market this Love Month! Treat you and your loved ones to amazing products by local artisans this Valentine’s. Enjoy up to 25% off from participating vendors till the end of February. 

Photo credit: Eastbound Brewing Company

Galentine’s Night: A Self-Care Social

Address: Eastbound Brewing, 700 Queen St E

Date & Time: Sunday, February 15 | 6:30pm-8:30pm

Grab your gals and join The Creative Caravan for a cozy, creative night of self-care, sips and connection at Eastbound Brewing Co. Try Eastbound’s delicious craft beers while creating a curated collection of handmade self-care goodies that you get to take home. Get your tickets to the workshop HERE.

Check out @riverside_bia on Instagram and the Riverside Blog to stay updated on fun and exciting events happening in the neighbourhood! Happy Valentine’s, everyone!

TOUR: Riverside Vintage Shops and Markets

Whether you’re looking to find something creative that’s handmade or you want to update your wardrobe with fashionable finds that’ll make you stand out, Toronto’s Riverside has our Vintage Shops and Markets tour to be your guide to checking out all of the unique local businesses right here.

Riverside Vintage Shops and Markets map Fevers Vintage located at 732 Queen St E

STOP 1: Fevers Vintage

732 Queen St East

Founded by twin brothers, Fevers Vintage (in Riverside since 2025) has a highly curated, accessible, and high-quality collection of authentic vintage clothing, blending 80s/90s nostalgia with “peace-and-love” and grunge styles. It is recognized for offering premium, handpicked items—including rare deadstock 80s GWG denim—at great prices. Check them out on Instagram @fevers.vintage!

Coffee & Clothing located at 734 Queen St E

STOP 2: Coffee & Clothing

734 Queen St East

Coffee and Clothing, located at 734 Queen St. E, is a unique, community-focused hub combining a curated vintage clothing shop with an in-house roastery and cafe. It distinguishes itself through curated, unisex workwear and vintage finds, paired with brewed espresso and house-roasted coffee in a relaxed, rustic atmosphere.

St. John’s Eco Market located at 740 Queen St E

STOP 3: St. John’s Eco Market

740 Queen St East

Opened in 2025, this environmentally-conscious social enterprise is a multi-purpose space featuring a thrift store, art gallery, and café counter with baked goods and preserves from St. John’s Bakery. Proceeds are in support of local charity St. John the Compassionate Mission. Read more about them here at their website!

 

The Vintage Hall located at 754 Queen St E

STOP 4: The Vintage Hall

754 Queen St East

The Vintage Hall – the brainchild of the owner-operator of Second Voyage Vintage which is housed within its first floor – is a 2,700-square-foot, multi-vendor, two-floor market. It stands out by housing over 14 different specialized vintage sellers under one roof, offering curated clothing, homeware, furniture, and collectibles with a “treasure hunt” atmosphere. Visit their website and check out their Instagram @thevintagehallto!

Common Sort located at 760 Queen St. E

STOP 5: Common Sort

760 Queen St East

A go-to destination in Riverside for buying, selling, and trading clothes since 2008. If you want to find fashionable clothing that’s in great condition or let go of some of your own items, Common Sort has it all. Check out their Instagram @commonsort and website for more information. 

Good Juice Box Vintage at 768 Queen St. E

STOP 6: Good Juice Box Vintage

768 Queen St East

Good Juice Box Vintage, in Riverside since 2015, is unique for its highly curated, nostalgic 80s/90s, and early 2000s fashion, focusing on neon, graphic tees, denim, and whimsical accessories. Check them out on Instagram @goodjuiceboxvintage!

Arts Market located at 790 Queen St. E

STOP 7: Arts Market

790 Queen St East

The Arts Market is truly a stand-out gem in Riverside and Toronto, with over 50 local, independent artisans stalls housed within offering everything from baked goods, to candles, to clothing, to gift cards. Its unique model also offers a great option for low-cost space for creators to showcase diverse, handmade, and curated goods directly to customers. Learn more at their website and be sure to follow their Instagram @artsmarket!

Ran’s Closet location at 747 Queen St E

STOP 8: Ran’s Closet

747 Queen St East

Ran’s Closet – in Riverside since 2023 –  stands out for incorporating South Korean fashion influences, including minimalist and “cottage core” styles, alongside a strong focus on sustainability. Learn more at their website and check out their Instagram @ranscloset_queeneast!

We’d love to see if you check out the stops on this tour! Be sure to tag the businesses along with us @riverside_bia on social media!

Check out the rest of our self-guided tour series here!

Be sure to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog for regular updates on the neighbourhood! 

This feature is part of our self-guided tours series curated by Richard – a Communication & Media Studies major at York University – in collaboration with the Riverside BIA.

Love is in the Air: 5 Ways To Spend Love Month in Toronto’s Riverside

First of all, can we just give ourselves a pat on the back for surviving what felt like the longest month ever? It’s finally February and love is officially in the air!

Whether you love shopping for cool vintage fashion or trying diverse international cuisines, there’s plenty of reasons to love Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood in the East End.

Here are 5 ways you can spend February your way in Riverside:

Photo credit: The Vintage Hall

Do you love fashion?

Even though the Riverside Vintage Crawl is still a few months away, you can still indulge in your love of fashion by checking out the vintage stores in the neighbourhood this season and doing a little winter wardrobe refresh. You can find the full list of independent vintage clothing stores in Riverside on our online business directory.

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Do you love art?

Over the years, Riverside has become home to many amazing public art by talented local creatives. For art lovers, you can do an art walk in Riverside and view the pieces at your own pace. In case you didn’t know, we’ve also launched a series of self-guided walking tours so if you’re looking for a fun (and free) outdoor activity to do this season, check them out!

Photo credit: Il Ponte

Do you love food?

From Indian at Royal Baithak (755 Queen St E) to Italian at Il Ponte (625 Queen St E), foodies are spoiled for choice in Riverside when it comes to global cuisine. Another fun foodie activity to do is a bakery crawl; there’s Blackbird Baking Co. (635 Queen St E), Bonjour Brioche (812 Queen St E) and more. Winterlicious, Toronto’s favourite wintertime foodie event, is also running until February 12th and a couple of our friends from the BIA are participating!

BLOG: What’s on the menu for Winterlicious 2026 in Riverside?

Photo credit: Oma Chiropractic & Wellness

Do you love self-care?

Oma’s annual self-love extravaganza is back! Join Oma Chiropractic (1 Munro St) on February 28th for the Love Yourself Event, an evening of fun and self-care featuring workshops, sessions and vendors. This year’s event is in support of Nellie’s Shelter. For more information on the program and registration, click HERE!

Photo credit: Amavi Atelier

Do you love small businesses?

What if we told you that by supporting small businesses in Riverside, you can get rewarded for it? Riverside BIA will be launching Riverside Rewards Raffle on Feb 17th, where you can win weekly and grand prizes simply by making a purchase at any of the businesses located within the Queen East construction zone. More details will be shared next week so stay tuned!

If you like content like this, check out the Riverside Blog regularly and follow @riverside_bia on Instagram for updates on what’s happening in the neighbourhood!

Oma’s Love Yourself Event 2026: All You Need To Know

Who’s ready for a fun evening of reflection, healing and self-care? Oma Chiropractic & Wellness is back with their annual self-love extravaganza: the Love Yourself Event!

Join Oma (1 Munro St) on Saturday, February 28th at 7pm-10pm for the Love Yourself Event, a chance to unwind and connect with your self-care practices!

This year’s Love Yourself Event is in support of Nellie’s Shelter, a Toronto-based non-profit that provides women and their children with a safe space for healing, personal growth and renewed strength.

There are three ticket options so you can customize your self-care experience throughout the evening. See ticket prices and inclusions below (and get your tickets fast before they seel out!!):

  • Mix & Mingle ($35): entry ticket where you can visit the many vendors on site, and take in the vibes of a fun and love-full evening
  • Mix, Mingle & Me Time ($50): entry ticket + 15-minute private session with a practitioner
  • The Full Embrace ($60): entry ticket + choice of a 30-minute workshop + 15-minute private session with a practitioner

From tarot readings to zero-proof cocktails, here’s a sneak peek into some (of many!) activities happening at this year’s Love Yourself Event by Oma:

Soundscape with Kat Lucas

Led by artist Kat Lucas, this session features an immersive soundscape designed to gently unwind the nervous system and awaken your own healing power through your breath and unique vocal frequency. You will move through a live, layered auditory experience — soothing piano music, live intuitive singing, resonant sound bowls and guided vocal somatic toning.

Space for Grace with Lee Philbrook & Stephanie Colwell

Through guided meditation and gentle Qigong, blending breath, mindful movement, and stillness, you’ll be supported in releasing what you’ve been holding and reconnecting with a grounded, restful state. This workshop with Lee Philbrook and Stephanie Colwell is a chance to soften the nervous system, restore balance and meet yourself with grace.

Tarot Reading with Julianne Ess

Sit down with Julianne Ess for a tarot reading, which provides a framework for the chaos that life presents us, and can help point us in the right direction as we navigate our complicated lives with intention and courage.

Chair Massage with the Oma Team

Chair massage — also known as seated massage — is a type of massage that takes place on a traditional massage chair. It is designed to take the weight off the spine and give easy access to the head, neck, back, shoulders and arms.

ZERO Cocktail Bar

Enjoy flavourful cocktails from ZERO Cocktail Bar, Toronto’s first non-alcoholic bar experience. They provide access to beautiful cocktails for those who want the creativity and delectableness of a traditional cocktail without the alcohol. ZERO believes in bringing communities together by creating beverages that everyone can enjoy.

Affirmation Cards with Kathryn Boyd

Join Toronto-based queer mixed media artist Kathryn Boyd and design a meaningful affirmation card as a simple yet powerful reminder of strength and self-love. Inspired by her own artistic practice as a path to introspection and healing, Kathryn invites you to explore self-expression in this creative mini-retreat.

Slots are first-come, first-served, so be sure to buy your tickets early to choose self-care activities. For more information on workshops and registration, click HERE!

This is a charity event, so there are no refunds on tickets. However, tickets can be transferred to a friend if you’ve booked your slot but can’t make it.

Check out @riverside_bia on Instagram and the Riverside Blog to stay updated on fun and exciting programming happening in the neighbourhood!